Visiting Brainerd/Baxter’s Northland Arboretum in the Summer

The Northland Arboretum encompasses over 400 acres in the heart of Brainerd/Baxter, Minnesota. It is a member-supported non-profit organization that was founded with the closure of the Brainerd Landfill in 1972. The Northland Arboretum is a must-see destination for visitors and residents alike; the hiking trails and Visitor Center provide year-round opportunities for people to learn and connect with nature.

Summer is a special time to explore and experience The Arb whether it is on the trails or participating in an activity; the summer flora and fauna are beautiful and abundant this time of year.

Summer Trails

The 12+ miles of trails at the Northland Arboretum provide dozens of opportunities to explore a variety of flora and fauna. There are several short trails that intersect and connect to one another making the system perfect for both short walks or a day-long hike. The trails are open every day from dusk to dawn. We recommend using a trail map and planning a route to maximize your visit. The trails wind through gardens, grasslands and restored prairie, a jack pine forest, and wetlands. Native jack pine and bur oak dominate the sand plain, but beautiful gardens of wild and cultivated flowers have been carved into the setting.

Birding

The Northland Arboretum is a good location for birding because there are three distinct areas with unique ecosystems. (1) The Jack Pine Savanna is one of only five in the State of Minnesota; (2) the Red Pine Plantation on the northern trails of the Arb are a part of an old growth forest and tend to be great nesting areas for bald eagles; (3) Whiskey Creek winds through the southern part of the Arboretum, allowing the Monet Pond to be a home to a variety of ducks, beaver, otter, and heron. Check out the Calendar of Events for hiking and bird watching events held at The Arb.

The Gardens

Although the majority of the Northland Arboretum is kept in it’s natural state, the gardens allow visitors to marvel at the work of the dedicated volunteers. Featured gardens include:

  • Visitor Center Rain Garden
  • Vegetable Garden
  • Gazebo Garden
  • Memorial Garden
Fitness Trail

The Fitness Trail is a unique opportunity to complete a workout outdoors. It includes two miles of surfaced trails and 11 fitness stations. Adults and children of all ages and abilities are welcome; the trail is handicap accessible.

Nature Playscape Fun

The nature playscape opened in 2025 and was designed for children to have a place to play in the dirt (so to speak). The playscape provides opportunities to build forts, climb over natural structures, or play in the mud kitchen.

Nature Knapsacks: A Program for Children

Families and children can “rent” a backpack while they are on the premises of the Northland Arboretum. These backpacks include: binoculars, a journal, a bug catching net, a critter cage, compass, measuring tape, a crazy fun scavenger hunt card deck, a magnifying glass and more. The backpacks are filled with activities and items that get you closer to nature. Use the magnifying glass to see the spots on a lady bug. Measure the trunk of a tree with the measuring tape. Spot an eagle in the trees with the provided binoculars. Best of all, there is a new and exciting craft or activity each time you visit so the fun can continue time and time again. Members may “rent” a backpack for free and non-members pay a $5.00 rental fee.

Classes, Nature Camp & Special Events
  • Classes: A variety of classes are offered for adults and families interested in nature and conservation like the Bird Bath Garden Art, The Pink Lady’s Slipper Hike, and A Dazzle of Dragonflies. Learn more on the Northland Arboretum’s website.
  • Nature Camp: Kids camp held every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer with variety of activities for campers to be in and get connected to nature and conservation.
  • Nature Camp Day – July 15: Designed to welcome all learners, including children with disabilities, and will feature adapted activities and a supportive, engaging environment where every child can feel safe and successful while exploring the outdoors.
Community Clubs & Outdoor Adventures

  • Monthly Book Club

  • Weekly Hiking Club

  • eBike Rentals

Bike Park Opening Soon

Construction on a brand-new Bike Park is underway with an anticipated opening in July 2025. The park will include a variety of tracks and jumps designed and constructed to take advantage of the beautiful setting while not disrupting the conservation goals of the park. The park will be built in phases and upon final completion is expected to be the largest bike park in Central Minnesota.

Getting to the Northland Arboretum
  • Address: 14250 Conservation Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401
  • Located north of the Westgate Mall on Washington Street/Highway 210. Easiest way to get there: From Washington Street turn north at Baxter Drive (stoplight) and then turn west (left) onto Excelsior Road/Jackson Street. Turn north into the Paul Bunyan Trail Trailhead Parking Lot, drive past the parking lot to the Visitor’s Center.
  • Visitor Center Hours: Tuesday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and closed Monday.
  • The grounds remain open to members and paying guests sunrise to sunset.
  • Gate fee is $10 per adult and $5 for each child 15 years of age and under, Veterans and Seniors 65+.
  • Guests are asked to stop in the Visitor Center to pay or use the self-pay station located at the entry kiosks.